News from around the 32 counties of Ireland

Around 100 people took part in the annual Dip-in-the-Nip in County Sligo on Sunday, June 23.

The group took to the sea at Dunmoran Strand – without any clothes – all in the name of charity.

They are raising money for various cancer charities – and did so against the advice of the coastguard, because of poor weather conditions.

[Source: Laois Nationalist]

TIPPERARY

A landmark shop which has provided groceries to generations of families in the heart of Cashel has closed its doors after nearly 40 years of trading.

Buckley’s (Spar) at the top of the Main Street has ceased trading with the loss of about four jobs. The shop first opened its doors in the early 1970s before the arrival of retailing giants like Tesco’s and Lidl.

President of the Cashel Chamber of Commerce Séan Laffey said it was another example of the changing nature of retail, with the multi-national discount stores outcompeting family-owned businesses in the center of town.

[Source: Tipperary Star]
TYRONE

Pomeroy songbird Andrea Begley is on the road to stardom after being named the 2013 winner of T.V. show “The Voice” and landing a lucrative record deal on Saturday night, June 22.
The 27-year-old civil servant, who was described on the show as having the "voice of an angel," beat off stiff competition from bookies’ favorite, Leah McFall, and country crooner, Mike Ward. to be crowned the overall winner.

[Source: Tyrone Courier]

WATERFORD

Gardaí (police) in Waterford are investigating an incident involving a suspicious approach to a child in City Square last Tuesday.

A 13-year-old girl was standing outside a shop at 4:55 p.m. when she was approached by a male of foreign extract. She was told by the male that she was pretty and asked if she wished to go for coffee with him. She declined. He then asked her for her number and she declined again. The male then provided her with a phone number.

The young girl then walked away and met a relative and left area. Gardaí say no harm was caused to the young girl.

[Source: Waterford News & Star]

WESTMEATH

Niall Horan and his One Direction band-mates have released a three-minute trailer of their eagerly anticipated 3D film.

Set for release in August, “This Is Us” gives fans a behind the scenes look at the lives of their heroes as the travel the world conquering the pop charts.

Director Morgan Spurlock and his crew traveled with Niall back to Mullingar earlier this year for his brother's wedding. According to reports, the film captures all the excitement in the run up to the big day as the Horan boys rushed about the town making last-minute preparations.

[Source: Westmeath Examiner]

WEXFORD

The Emigrant Flame, which was lit on the New Ross quay-front two weekends ago, brought world media attention to the Barrowside town, in addition to ensuring its place in history.

In a truly incredible few days for the town and County Wexford, images of New Ross and some of its most prominent citizens were relayed all over the world.

Beginning two weeks ago, the town was featured on Sky, C.N.N., N.B.C., B.B.C. and R.T.É. which broadcast three hours of footage on Saturday relating to the lighting ceremony on the quay-front.

Members of President John F. Kennedy’s family, including his daughter, Caroline, and his sister, Jean Kennedy-Smith, traveled over for the event.

[Source: Wexford Echo]

WICKLOW

An Irishman living in Qatar topped the billing when a stud farm on 98-acre made $240,000 over its guide at auction two weeks ago. Liffey View Stud at Blessington, County Wicklow sold for $1,024,000.

The holding is located about 1.2-mile from Blessington, overlooking Blessington Lakes. The property includes a derelict manor house, 48 stables and a three-bedroom bungalow.